Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing’s Team Principal, recently shared that he considered replacing Sergio Perez with Fernando Alonso at the start of the 2024 Formula 1 season. This possibility came into focus before Alonso chose to extend his contract with Aston Martin, despite rumors linking him to top teams like Red Bull and Mercedes. The speculation arose from Alonso’s stellar reputation and a challenging season at Aston Martin, where their performance slipped from the second-fastest car on the grid in 2023 to fifth, making it difficult for Alonso to secure podiums.
Alonso’s frustrations with Aston Martin coincided with a significant shake-up in F1, as Lewis Hamilton announced his departure from Mercedes to join Ferrari. Many expected Alonso to take Hamilton’s vacated seat at Mercedes, with some even suggesting that Red Bull was also eyeing the Spanish driver to join Max Verstappen. In hindsight, Horner revealed that the Red Bull team had been quietly exploring the possibility of Alonso stepping in to partner Verstappen, which could have left Perez without a seat.
Horner shared details of his long-standing interest in Alonso, which dates back over a decade. He recalled how, midway through the 2009 season, Alonso was confident he could secure the championship if he drove a Red Bull car. This led to initial talks, and they even met at Belgium’s Spa airport in a hired car alongside Red Bull’s Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey. Discussions of Alonso joining Red Bull resurfaced around 2011 or 2012, during Alonso’s time with Ferrari, but a deal never materialized.
Reflecting on Alonso’s incredible career, Horner highlighted the veteran driver’s staying power and competitive drive, which have made him a valuable asset on any team. Even at the beginning of 2024, Horner considered Alonso as a potential addition to Red Bull, impressed by his resilience and capabilities over the years.
In Horner’s words, Alonso’s two world championships hardly do justice to his talent. With his skills and competitive edge, many believe he deserved even more titles throughout his F1 journey. While Alonso ultimately stayed with Aston Martin, the near-signing underscores Red Bull’s acknowledgment of his enduring abilities and the impact he could have had alongside Verstappen.